How did they make insulin from recombinant DNA?

introduction screen

Recombinant DNA is a technology scientists developed that made it possible to insert a human gene into the genetic material of a common bacterium. This “recombinant” micro-organism could now produce the protein encoded by the human gene.

Illustration of human insullin gene and plasmid from bacterial DNA

Scientists build the human insulin gene in the laboratory. Then they remove a loop of bacterial DNA known as a plasmid and…

Illustration of the human insulin gene being insertd into the plasmid

insert the human insulin gene into the plasmid.

Illustration of human insulin gene inserted as part of the plasmid

Illustration showing the plasmid being returned to the recombinant bacterium

Researchers return the plasmid to the bacteria and…

Illustration of recombinant bacterium in a large fermentation tank

put the “recombinant” bacteria in large fermentation tanks.

Illustration showing remobinant bacterium producing insulin the fermentation tank

There, the recombinant bacteria use the gene to begin producing human insulin.

Illustration showing that insulin is harvested from the recombinant bacterium

Scientists harvest the insulin from the bacteria and…

Illustration of purified insulin in a medicine bottle

purify the substance for use as a medicine for people.